DBasia.news – Raphinha revealed that it was the services of Ronaldinho and Neymar that pushed him to join Barcelona.
The Brazilian national team striker officially joined the Blaugrana from Leeds for 65 million euros in the transfer market last summer.
Raphinha actually also received an offer from Chelsea, so that he could stay in the English Premier League, in a more familiar competition.
But the 25-year-old star has chosen to follow his dreams, and is now revealing the inspiration and advice he receives from his compatriots.
Raphinha spoke to La Vanguardia about his decision to move to Catalunya: “I used to dream of wearing the Barcelona jersey, the club I have joined since I was young, since Ronaldinho was born.”
“With him, I started to understand the history of Barca. I wanted to be a part of this. So that dream, that desire, is stronger than any proposal, no matter the financial value.”
“Ronnie congratulated me through my father. Yes, I also chatted a lot with Neymar. He told me that if I went to Barcelona, I would not regret it. He was right.”
Raphinha has made five competitive appearances for Barcelona and helped Xavi’s team start the 2022/23 season unbeaten and to 13 points in La Liga.
He still has a lot to prove before he can be considered at the level of Neymar and Ronaldinho at Barca, given that both won La Liga and the Champions League during his time with the Blaugrana, but Raphinha has started his career at Camp Nou on a positive note.